The Chicago Bears made a surprising roster adjustment earlier this week. After spending most of this off-season working at tackle, Teven Jenkins got a phone call from offensive line coach Chris Morgan. They were moving him to guard. The second-year blocker wasn’t sure what to expect, but he accepted the challenge. It was a move several experts felt was coming. Despite spending all of college outside, his skillset felt like a better fit for the interior.
His first practice on Monday seemed to go well. Then on Tuesday, he was promoted to the first-team offense at right guard. It was a mild surprise. Michael Schofield seemed like the favorite to claim that job come opening day. However, after his rough outing against Kansas City, the Bears may have wanted to see if Jenkins had something to offer. So they got him extra reps in practice and started him on Thursday night in Seattle.
The results weren’t perfect. However, they were better than anybody had any right to think they’d be. Jenkins showed flashes of what he is and what he could become.
Teven Jenkins gave the Bears plenty to think about.
Run block #1
This is a difficult block, especially for somebody with little experience at guard. Jenkins shows quick feet and good technique to get leverage on the defensive tackle’s right shoulder. Then he shifts his stance to seal off the lane, giving Khalil Herbert a nice crease for seven yards. For all the talk about his power, this was a good demonstration of Jenkins’ athleticism as an offensive lineman.
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Run block #2
This is another case of understanding his assignment. Jenkins needs to wall off the defensive tackle and not allow him to clog the lane. He drives the defender sideways and then shows strong hand technique not to allow #77 to shed the block, giving Ebner enough time to slip through the hole for a big 3rd down conversion.
Pass block #1
Nothing can kill a pass at the goal line faster than interior penetration. It haunted the Bears several times last season. Teven Jenkins doesn’t merely hold up long enough to give Siemian time to deliver the ball. He outright stones the defensive tackle, helping to former a clean pocket. What stood out was the aggressiveness with his hands. He never let the defender get a head of steam. Little things like that matter.
Pass block #2
This was Jenkins’ best block of the evening. With a blitz, Seattle looks to create some confusion, bringing a defensive back off the right edge. This forces Larry Borom to pick him up. As a result, #52 sees a gap forming in the protection. Jenkins initially looks to help center Sam Mustipher but quickly recognizes the danger. He shifts his stance and drives the Seahawks rusher out of the arc. That gave Justin Fields a chance to step up into the pocket. Unfortunately, he chose to scramble instead. It was great recognition by Jenkins, regardless of the meh result.
Nobody can say if the performance was enough to give Jenkins the starting job. Still, it was obvious he had more upside to offer than Schofield. If he is this capable now, he should only improve with time.
I actually thought Deiter Eiselen looked pretty good at center.
Critics have stated that Ryan Poles has failed to improve the offensive line but I think he deserves credit for drafting players with good potential. Remember they are going through a rebuild mostly through the draft. Bringing in veterans like Patrick, Schofield and Reiff will give his younger players a chance to develop and many of them are showing they have good potential. In fact, Jenkins, Jones, and Borom may end up starters with the veterans serving as backups. It takes time for an offensive line to develop chemistry but once they determine who the starters are they will improve… Read more »
It was always going to be a process. But, it appears that between Poles and Morgan things are starting to shake out. Patrick is an upgrade over Mustipher. He’s not perfect but he’s better. Whitehair is our most consistent lineman and he stays for now. Jenkins is probably in his correct position now and may develop into a probowl RG. I love his reps so far in the running game and his experience as a T in pass blocking should help his development. Reiff is a temporary starter with Borom on his heels. B.Jones looks like he will develop into… Read more »
Hey guys,
Teven, Larry and Braxton are three young (inexpensive) guys that are up and coming. Cody is high-priced, but a steady performer.
But if y’all think that Lucas Patrick is that much better than Sam Mustpher you need to watch some GB Packers tape.
Let me know when Patrick resembles Frank Ragnow or Creed Humphrey. Because I haven’t seen it.
I think he and Borom… as gonna be SOLID.
The main weakness, right now is Must’ at Center. I want to root for him… but he just isn’t GOOD. (if we ends up in the game we are in TROUBLE)